WICHITA, Kan. (AP) - An information systems director was sentenced to three years in prison Thursday for stealing $1.2 million from assisted living centers in Kansas and Missouri, thefts the judge said were motivated by a desire to enjoy a "lavish lifestyle."
U.S. District Judge J. Thomas Marten also ordered Brent Shryock of Augusta to repay the $1.2 million he took during the six years he worked at Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. The judge imposed the prison sentence the parties had proposed in their plea deal. His ex-wife, Lori Shryock, faces sentencing Monday. Both pleaded guilty to mail fraud.
Shryock declined to make a courtroom statement before sentencing. While that did not affect the sentence, Marten said it was disappointing to him that Shryock didn't stand up and say he regretted what he had done.
"It would have been pretty big of you to have done that," Marten said.
The indictment alleges the crimes were committed while Brent Shryock was employed for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, the parent company for Presbyterian Manors Inc.; Aberdeen Villages, Inc.; and Ashfield Active Living and Wellness Communities, Inc. He was in charge of purchasing equipment for the companies.
Prosecutors allege that beginning in November 2007, the couple created four fictitious companies to submit fraudulent invoices for computers, telephones, and other electronic equipment. Among them was LGR Technology, which stood for Let's Get Rich Technology. The scheme continued until about November 2013.
His defense attorney, Steven Gradert, declined to comment after the hearing.
Most of the money taken was insured, and that the biggest impact was psychological, Stan Churchill, the attorney representing Presbyterian Manors, said after the hearing. The money taken was designed for the care of the residents.